News - 7-Eleven Glitch: Gas Bills Increase 100 Times

In an astonishing financial blunder, gas-buyers at various 7-Eleven locations, including Pinole, California, were subject to 100 times overcharges on their debit and credit cards. This substantial error, which left customers stunned and financially stranded, was traced back to a decimal-point mishap following a recent software update. Ngaire McLaren, a customer from Pinole, experienced a shocking charge of $7,934 instead of the expected $79.34 when buying gas. This oversight has reportedly impacted about 200 customers across locations, spreading financial distress and calls for accountability. According to the internal findings, the decimal-point shift could turn a normal $26 purchase into an exorbitant $2,600 transaction. As frustrations grew, affected customers, like McLaren, were left in turmoil, struggling to manage their finances in anticipation of the holiday season. For many, the situation escalated as multiple calls to 7-Eleven's customer service yielded little immediate relief, with some left waiting more than a week for resolutions. 7-Eleven eventually responded by issuing full reimbursements, including coverage of any ensuing fees, and granting an additional $500 for inconvenience endured by each affected consumer. However, communication from the company was deemed insufficient by those clamoring for financial clarification and restoration. Affected individuals described mounting anxiety as essentials like living expenses hung in the balance, especially during a critical time of year with holidays looming. Some found solace in their banks, which stepped in to provide interim credits as 7-Eleven worked to unroll their compensation efforts. This incident underscores both the vulnerabilities within digital transactions and the critical need for robust error-handling contingencies within service systems. Affected consumers have been urged to reach out directly to 7-Eleven at their dedicated hotline should their unwarranted charges remain unresolved. This story emerged following tips to the ABC7 News I-Team, leading to a deeper investigative dive that prompted public awareness and action. Amid broader implications, this serves as a cautionary tale for businesses reliant on digital point-of-sale systems, highlighting the potential scale and impact of unchecked technical errors.